A New Jersey spa owner has been arrested for prostitution following a police raid on her business and home. The operation uncovered luxury items, a Tesla, and teddy bears stuffed with $600,000 in cash.
Daniela Dijeno, 47, along with four other women, was taken into custody on Thursday, as reported by NJ.com.
The investigation extended to Dijeno’s residence, where detectives found $650,000 in cash, including a significant amount hidden within toys.
Additionally, authorities seized $104,373 from the owner’s bank account, marking the largest asset seizure in the town’s history.
According to Edison Police Chief Tom Bryan, this effort reflects a commitment to dismantling organized crime disguised as legitimate businesses. He noted the sophistication and profitability of these illegal operations, emphasizing ongoing efforts to eliminate them from the community.
Police also arrested Vanessa Bosada, 30, from Maspeth, New York; Eduardo Bailfus, 26, from Newark; Maria Palacios, 45, from Yonkers, New York; and Allison Cunningham, 26, from Roselle. Each faced charges related to prostitution and was later released on subpoena.
The specific roles of the four women in the operation were not disclosed. Dijeno was charged with first-degree money laundering, second-degree promoting street crime, third-degree prostitution, and fourth-degree prostitution.
She is currently held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending a detention hearing.
The spa’s license was suspended following several health code violations. This closure is part of a broader crackdown on local businesses allegedly connected to prostitution and drugs initiated by Edison officials since 2022.
Mayor Sam Joshi commented on the initiative, stating its aim is to restore security and integrity in neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Edison police have not provided immediate comments regarding the situation.
